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Business Advice Bristol

Where to find business support organisations who help start-ups.

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Bristol Business Support

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Businesses in Bristol are more likely to succeed if they seek and act upon the advice of a professional business adviser. This page should point you in the right direction.

"You don't know, what you don't know" is a great saying and so applicable to starting a business. There are so many considerations in the early stages that taking advice from an experienced business adviser will dramatically increase your chances of success.

See list of local business support organisations below.

Can you help start-ups in Bristol?

If so, your logo, company details and link to your site could be here!

If you are based in in Bristol or offer a product or service which could help existing local businesses and start-ups, we would love you to help you reach them. Our aim is to increase the chances of every new business's success by highlighting the help that is available in the area.

You are able to add a free listing or act as our recommended local partner for only £10 per year!

Local partners

We are happy to promote anyone who is prepared to offer friendly support to local start-ups.

Our local partners have been kind enough to help us and are keen to help you too.

Free startup guide

Start Your Own Business in Bristol

Download the 2024 edition of our Free guide

An interactive step-by-step guide which also includes all of the most important subjects covered with links to useful articles and relevant contacts.

The idea of starting your own business can be incredibly exciting and who can blame you for being tempted?

However, the sad truth is that far too many new enterprises fail in the early stages. Our aim is to make sure that you don't become one of them.

This guide explains the key start-up subjects in simple English and points to where you can find help and support.

More Information and instant download

Bristol Business Advisors

BRAVE
BRAVE Enterprise is Bristol’s leading small business advice service. With the help of approachable, experienced business professionals we offer advice, training and consultancy to thousands of people each year – helping them to start and run successful, profitable businesses. Established in 1983 as an independent, not-for-profit organisation, BRAVE will support you if you are: thinking about starting a business or becoming self-employed for the first time, starting a business, running a business you’d like to develop and grow in need of solutions to business problems As a social enterprise, our aim is to offer top-quality advice and training which is accessible to all and at extremely affordable prices.
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South Bristol Enterprise Support
Open to existing SMEs and budding entrepreneurs within the Private Sector - with a particular focus on construction, engineering and food services. If you have an idea you’d like to make a reality, or you’re looking for advice and mentorship on how to take your business to the next level, then you’re in the right place. If you get involved in the SBES programme, you can expect expert advice, support and mentorship across pre-start and existing businesses growth. Introduction to Enterprise workshops, via the YTKO OutSet, to support entrepreneurs to explore business ideas and start trading.
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Bristol Business & Enterprise Support (BrisBES)
Looking to start or grow your own business in Bristol?Bristol has a thriving community of entrepreneurs and growing businesses crossing a range of industry sectors. YTKO provides fully funded support to pre-start, start-up and growth businesses across Bristol. Bristol Inclusive & Sustainable Business and Enterprise Support (BrisBES) is a new programme designed to deliver high quality, inclusive and sustainable support to Bristols entrepreneurs and business. Through BrisBES, you can take your small business to the next level with the support of 1:1 coaching, training workshops, e-learning, networking events, grants and more! YTKO Ltd.Unit 1.6, First Floor, Temple Studios,Temple Gate,BristolBS1 6QA
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Federation of Small Business
Membership Adviser for the FSB in the Bristol area. We help SME's reduce the cost of their essential services and grow their business. If you would like to know more, feel free to get in touch.
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UK Research & Innovation
We invest in research and innovation to enrich lives, drive economic growth, and create jobs and high-quality public services across the UK. We are transforming tomorrow together.
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North & East Bristol Business Support
We have now launched our North and East Bristol Support service (NEBS), funded by Bristol City Council (BCC) and the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) as part of Universal Business Support. It offers support for pre-starts, new and existing private businesses and social enterprises in all sectors. Despite the name of the programme, we are pleased to say that we are able to support any businesses in Bristol who are not eligible for the South Bristol Enterprise Support programme. Whilst our marketing will focus on North & East Bristol we are available across all areas of Bristol. YTKO Ltd. Floor 3, 2 – 4 Park Street Bristol BS1 5PB
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Business West
Business West represents and works with over 18,000 businesses across the region, delivering a range of support and events. Their website contains masses of information that could help you including advice on how to start a business, grow a business, funding, export and much more. Business West, Leigh court business centre, Pill Rd, Abbots Leigh, Bristol BS8 3RL
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West of England Growth Hub
The West of England Growth Hub supports businesses throughout Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire to innovate, grow and thrive. We achieve this by connecting businesses to support streams and encouraging collaboration. We offer free telephone and face-to-face support tailored to the needs and goals of your business. We listen to your vision for the future and your views on the challenges you face.
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Department for Business & Trade
The Department for Business & Trade helps businesses export and grow into global markets. We also help overseas companies locate and grow in the UK. Our services are provided in over 100 markets throughout the world. We are passionate about what we do. Thats why we constantly review our services in light of customer feedback and the impact they offer, which means theyll vary from time to time.
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Prowess- Women in Business
Prowess is the online hub for women-friendly business support, inspiration and information. Our vision is an environment where women in business can flourish. Be inspired Prowess is full of stories and shared experiences from women who’ve made their own way in business. Everyone has a story to tell. And women who are thinking of starting a business – and those looking to grow – say there aren’t enough stories of real women in business out there. In our recent survey 43% said they wanted to read more experiences and case studies from ‘real’ women in business! Read them here, or submit your own here.
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FRS Health & Safety Consultancy
With more than two decades of experience as a fire safety consultancy, FRS provides exceptional service to various sectors across the UK. We not only assist you in meeting industry regulations but also serve as your all-in-one solution for all your health and safety requirements, essentially acting as your external department.
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High Growth Knowledge Company
Were expert in growing business and working with directors and senior teams to build strategy, quicken the pace of change and deliver sustainable growth. We blend knowledge and research with current business thinking, combined with a practical approach gained from our experience of working with high growth businesses. You will receive executive business coaching and board advice from top consultants to help you make better and more informed decisions during times of great challenge and change. We help you use your companys financial resources to achieve your short- and long-term objectives through budgeting, forecasting and raising money.
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Bristol City Council - Business
Bristol City Council's website has a section dedicated to helping local businesses. Within this you will find a page dedicated to starting your own business and key local contacts in and around Bristol.
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BRAVE Enterprise
BRAVE Enterprise has helped thousands of entrepreneurs start and run successful and profitable businesses in Bristol. BRAVE is an independent, not-for-profit organisation based in Bristol. BRAVE provides support to: Trading businesses looking to develop and grow Business needing solutions to problems, Start-up businesses, those thinking about starting a business or becoming self employed for the first time.
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Employers Cookbook
Professional advice and guidance for business owners on all issues relating to the employment and management of people within a business. We provide practical solutions which really benefit your business.
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Enterprise Support Service
Big Support for Small Business Whatever size or shape of small business you are, and whatever your business needs, the Bristol Enterprise Support Service powered by Blue Orchid is for you! We offer a FREE customised support package designed specifically to help small businesses to:
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Flair 4 IT
Flair4IT are a energetic, fresh faced IT company at the heart of Bristol supporting companies ranging from SMEs to local government.
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Hartcliffe and Withywood Ventures
Free confidential impartial information, advice and guidance is provided. For further information please call 0117 9781708 between 9.00am - 5.00pm or e-mail us at gatehousecentre@yahoo.co.uk.
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Hutchinson (Legal) & Associates
A legal services firm, providing advice on the best structure for new start-ups (LLP, LTD etc), as well as drafting any necessary documentation from Articles and Memorandums of Association, Shareholder Agreements, Partnership Agreements.
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Local help for startups

There is plenty of help for startups in Bristol but where can it be found?

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